Agenda of Regional Transport Committee

Meeting of the Regional Transport Committee

Date: Friday 14 November 2014

Time: 10.15am

Venue:

Council Chamber

Hawke's Bay Regional Council

159 Dalton Street

NAPIER

Agenda

Item Subject Page

1. Welcome/Notices/Apologies

2. Conflict of Interest Declarations

3. Short Term Replacements for the Regional Transport Committee 3

4. Confirmation of Minutes of the Regional Transport Committee held on 15 August 2014

5. Matters Arising from Minutes of the Regional Transport Committee held on 15 August 2014

6. Call for any Minor Items Not on the Agenda 5

7. Follow-ups from Previous Regional Transport Committee Meetings 7

Decision Items

8. Draft Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-25 11

9. Draft Regional Public Transport Plan 2015-25 15

10. Hastings District Council Southern Arterial Route 19

Information or Performance Monitoring

11. Ministry of Transport Update 23

12. Transport Manager's Report 25

13. RoadSafe Update Report 29

14. NZTA Central Region - Regional Director's Report 33

15. Verbal Reports from Advisors

16. Minor Items Not on the Agenda 41

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Regional Transport Committee

Friday 14 November 2014

SUBJECT: Draft Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-25

Reason for Report

1. To agree on the regional priority of projects to be included in the draft Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) and approve the Plan for public consultation

Financial and Resource Implications

2. The cost of preparation of the Plan is included in Council’s Annual Plan budget

Background

3. The Land Transport Management Act 2003 (LTMA) was amended in 2013 and now requires regional councils to prepare and approve an RLTP every six years. This plan replaces the Regional Land Transport Strategy and the Regional Land Transport Programme and sets the strategic direction for land transport for the region for at least ten years, as well as forming the region’s funding application to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for six years.

4. The full requirements for and content of the Plan are contained in Sections 14 and 16 of the LTMA. The Plan must be consistent with the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2015/16 -2024/25 (GPS 2015), a draft of which was released for consultation in late June.

5. The final Plan must be adopted by the regional council no later than 30 April 2015.

6. A timeline for the preparation of the Plan was presented to the committee at the May meeting. The draft Plan will be released for public consultation in December.

Progress

7. The strategic direction, key objectives and policies for the Plan were agreed at the August meeting of this Committee.

8. In September/October, all approved organisations in the region submitted their proposed programmes of works to NZTA via their online funding management system.

9. An RTC workshop was held on 17 October to

9.1. familiarise the Committee with the projects being proposed for inclusion in the Plan,

9.2. determine which projects should be prioritised; and

9.3. form some very initial views of the highest priority projects, based on their contribution to regional objectives.

Prioritisation of Projects

10. At the workshop, the Committee agreed which projects should be prioritised and considered how the significant projects contribute to regional objectives.

11. Each project will have an assessment profile. It is suggested that the first three criteria for this profile should be consistent with those used by NZTA, while the fourth reflects the region’s strategic focus.

11.1. Strategic fit – how well the benefits of the project align with the Government Policy Statement

11.2. Effectiveness – how well the project is likely to deliver the benefits

11.3. Benefit and cost appraisal – a numerical assessment of the whole-of-life benefits and costs of the project

11.4. Contribution to regional objectives – how well the project contributes to the regional strategic objectives agreed by the Committee.

12. Project owners have undertaken assessments of the first three criteria and the Committee now needs to complete its assessment of the projects against regional priorities, assigning each a High, Medium or Low ranking. Suggested rankings have been assigned to the projects in Section 9.2 of the draft RLTP at Attachment 1 (under separate cover).Following this, it should be possible to complete prioritisation of the list.

The Draft Plan

13. A draft Plan is attached under separate cover. The Plan sets out the region’s strategic direction for the next ten years and fulfils the other requirements of the LTMA.

14. In addition to the suggested priority list, the draft Plan also contains a list of every activity submitted for NZTA funding by all the approved organisations in the region. This is required by statute and includes all business as usual activities, as well as all improvement activities, whether prioritised or not.

15. A number of other minor additions are still to be made to the Plan. These include the addition of a Foreword which will describe the region’s key priority projects once decided. We are also required to indicate how the cost of activities will be divided between local and national sources and this will be added to the ten year forecast in Section 9.4 once the outcome of the financial assistance rates review is known.

Next Steps

16. Subject to approval by the Committee at this meeting, the draft will be formatted in a style appropriate for external consultation and released in December. Key dates are :

Early December to late January - public consultation period

30 Jan - TAG meeting to consider submissions

13 Feb - RTC hearing of submissions and deliberations

March 2015 - extra RTC meeting to confirm proposed RLTP and lodge with Regional Council

April 2015 – Regional Council approves RLTP for lodgement with NZTA

Decision Making Process

17. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained in Part 6 Sub Part 1 of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded the following:

17.1. The decision does not significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset.

17.2. The use of the special consultative procedure is not prescribed by legislation.

17.3. The decision does not fall within the definition of Council’s policy on significance.

17.4. The persons affected by this decision are all residents of the region.

17.5. Options that have been considered include other strategic objectives for the Plan, and other methods of prioritisation.

17.6. The decision is not inconsistent with an existing policy or plan.

17.7. Given the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided, and also the persons likely to be affected by, or have an interest in the decisions made, Council can exercise its discretion and make a decision without consulting directly with the community or others having an interest in the decision.

Recommendations

That :

1. Agrees that the decisions to be made are not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted policy on significance and that Council can exercise its discretion under Sections 79(1)(a) and 82(3) of the Local Government Act 2002 and make decisions on this issue without conferring directly with the community and persons likely to be affected by or to have an interest in the decision due to the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided.

2. Agrees on the regional priority of significant projects proposed for inclusion in the Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-25

3. Approves the draft Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-25 for release for consultation, subject to formatting and minor additions as set out in paragraph 15.

Anne Redgrave

Transport Manager

Attachment/s

Draft Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-25

Under Separate Cover

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Regional Transport Committee

Friday 14 November 2014

SUBJECT: Draft Regional Public Transport Plan 2015-25

Reason for Report

This report is to consider the draft Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) and recommend to the Regional Council its release for public consultation.

Financial and Resource Implications

1. The cost of preparing the RPTP is in Hawke’s Bay Regional Council staff time, which is included in Annual Plan budgets.

2. The Plan largely proposes a continuation of existing service levels, which have been included in draft Long Term Plan budgets. Funding sources for any improvements later investigated and approved for implementation will be considered at that time.

Background

3. The Land Transport Management Act 2003 (LTMA) requires each regional council that intends to subsidise public transport to prepare a Regional Public Transport Plan which must be reviewed at least every three years. Recent changes to legislation have altered the requirements for these plans; these changes were described in an item at the August RTC meeting.

4. The purpose of the RPTP is set out in the LTMA and is to provide

4.1. A means for encouraging councils and operators to work together in developing public transport services and infrastructure; and

4.2. An instrument for engaging with the public in the region on the design and operation of the public transport network; and

4.3. A statement of –

4.3.1. The public transport services that are integral to the public transport network; and

4.3.2. The policies and procedures that apply to those services; and

4.3.3. The information and infrastructure that support those services

5. The process for development of the RPTP commenced with a review of the existing public transport network, followed by an early phase of public consultation in mid 2013, which produced many requests and suggestions from bus users and non-users alike. This was followed by a further round of consultation during July and August with direct stakeholders such as councils, transport operators, disability agencies and community groups.

6. We also held individual meetings with bus companies who may have an interest in tendering for the bus service in the future. These meetings were to discuss how the Hawke’s Bay services should be divided into units, what type of financial incentive mechanisms would help to encourage true partnership, and a number of other operational concepts. Early and full involvement of operators in making such decisions is also a requirement of the LTMA.

Plan Direction

7. The Plan proposes to largely continue operating public transport services at the level of service in place during 2014-15. There has been significant investment in additional bus services by both the New Zealand Transport Agency and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council over the last five year; the improvements undertaken are described in Section 2 of the draft Plan. This investment has resulted in very good patronage growth but has also significantly increased the cost of services and reduced the proportion of the cost which is covered by fares. Timetable alterations in September 2014 have improved the operating efficiency of the service and reduced its cost without affecting patronage. It is suggested that the service now needs a period of consolidation and careful analysis to see whether further efficiencies can be made and how the resulting cost savings could be reinvested.

8. The early consultation rounds have produced a number of requests for service enhancements which are listed in Section 3. The draft Plan seeks public feedback on these proposals, and those rated as highest priority will be scheduled for investigation during the next three years. If funds become available through greater efficiencies or patronage growth, it is proposed that these would be reinvested in high priority improvements.

9. The key focus of public consultation will therefore be

9.1. Is the core public transport network suitable for the region at this time?

9.2. Are the proposed policies for managing public transport in Hawke’s Bay appropriate?

9.3. Which of the proposed service improvements are highest priority and why?

9.4. Are there other service improvements which should be investigated?

Next Steps

10. The RTC is asked for its recommendation on the draft Plan. However, under the LTMA, the responsibility for approving an RPTP lies with the Regional Council and cannot be delegated. The draft Plan will therefore be considered by the Regional Council on 26 November and if approved, will be released for public consultation on Monday 5 December, with submissions closing in late January 2015.

11. Decision Making Process

12. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained in Part 6 Sub Part 1 of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded the following:

12.1. The decision does not significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset.

12.2. The use of the special consultative procedure is not prescribed by legislation.

12.3. The decision does not fall within the definition of Council’s policy on significance.

12.4. The persons affected by this decision are public transport users and operators in the region.

12.5. Options that have been considered include alternative methods of managing the regional public transport system.

12.6. The decision is not inconsistent with an existing policy or plan.

12.7. Given the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided, and also the persons likely to be affected by, or have an interest in the decisions made, Council can exercise its discretion and make a decision without consulting directly with the community or others having an interest in the decision.

Recommendations

1. That the Regional Transport Committee receives and considers the draft Regional Public Transport Plan

The Regional Transport Committee recommends that Council:

2. Agrees that the decisions to be made are not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted policy on significance and that Council can exercise its discretion under Sections 79(1)(a) and 82(3) of the Local Government Act 2002 and make decisions on this issue without conferring directly with the community and persons likely to be affected by or to have an interest in the decision due to the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided.

3. Adopts the draft Regional Public Transport Plan 2015-25 for public consultation.

Anne Redgrave

Transport Manager

Attachment/s

Draft Regional Public Transport Plan 2015-25

Under Separate Cover

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Regional Transport Committee

Friday 14 November 2014

Subject: Hastings District Council Southern Arterial Route

Reason for Report

1. This report is to agree a response to Hastings District Council in relation to its request to remove reference to the Hastings Southern Arterial Route from the Regional Land Transport Strategy.

Financial and Resource Implications

2. None

Background

3. The Regional Land Transport Strategy 2012-2042 (RLTS) was prepared under the Land Transport Management Act as amended in 2008. This Act required Regional Transport Committees to prepare a regional land transport strategy with a thirty year outlook, as well as a regional land transport programme every three years.

4. The Hawke’s Bay RTC prepared the two documents together and both were adopted in 2012. The RLTS contained a short, medium and long term programme of possible activities to achieve its vision, goals and objectives. The Southern Arterial Route ( SAR) was listed for investigation in the medium term programme, with construction included in the long term programme.

5. The SAR was developed in recognition of the need to provide additional capacity between Hastings and Havelock North with the primary Havelock Road corridor predicted to experience an unacceptable level of service by 2026.

6. The SAR would also function as a bypass road for traffic not wishing to travel through the Hastings CBD, offering a more direct route to the Expressway and Flaxmere. Provision of additional capacity between Hastings and Havelock North (relieving congestion on Havelock Road) and provision of a bypass route to Hastings (a more direct route) between Havelock North and Flaxmere are therefore identified as the project objectives.

7. The SAR project has been sitting in the project pipe line for over 40 years. Most of the studies conducted over that period have pointed to the usefulness of the road in relieving the congestion on the Havelock Road. These studies include:

Heretaunga Plains Transportation Study, Interim report, 1974

Heretaunga Plain Transportation Study, 1980

Hawke’s Bay Regional Transportation Study Review, 1986

Hawke’s Bay Regional Transportation Study, 1996

Hawke’s Bay Regional Transportation Study, 2004

Heretaunga Plain Transportation Study, 2010

8. However, land owners who are affected by the two possible alignments for the SAR have approached Hastings District Council, stating that this is affecting the value of their land and asking that the project be removed from the RLTS.

9. HDC has therefore undertaken extensive traffic modelling of the effects of all proposed improvements, in order to determine what the effects of the SAR might be on the overall network.

10. The traffic modelling suggests that the SAR is a desirable project from a wider transport network efficiency point of view and has some benefit in terms of improving the expected level of service on Havelock Road as a result. It will not of itself be sufficient to improve level of service to a commonly acceptable standard. However implementing planned improvements to Havelock Road first provides better level of service benefits but is less effective for wider network efficiency. It would also push out the likely date for construction of the SAR to approximately 2031.

11. In making its decision, the Council also took into consideration its other strategic objectives concerning the protection of versatile soils and promotion of sustainable transport modes into the future and in particular, future investment in the Havelock Road multi-modal corridor plan.

12. In light of this , the Council therefore resolved to ask the RTC to remove all reference to the SAR from the RLTS 2012-42, with the reason being that the decision will

“contribute to the continued provision of good quality local roading infrastructure in a way that is most cost-effective for households and business by

12.1. clearly identifying the most effective and sustainable transport options which the Council has confidence will be necessary to meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of the community the Heretaunga Plains.

12.2. recognising the effects which the lack of certainty about the need for the route has on land owners while it is shown in the Regional Land Transport Strategy.”

Discussion

13. The LTMA was further amended in 2013 and as a result the Regional Land Transport Strategy will have no status after June 2015, being replaced by the Regional Land Transport Plan which is currently under development.

14. Furthermore, the 2013 amendment (Section 156 (4)) specifically precludes the variation of an RLTS between June 2013 and 30 June 2015. Therefore the RTC cannot remove reference to the SAR from the RLTS before it ceases to exist on 30 June 2015.

15. The Regional Land Transport Plan will be reviewed every three years and contains a strategic section which identifies high level of objectives, policies and measures and sets the general direction for the region’s transport system without specifically identifying activities. The programme section of the Plan will identify specific activities for which NZTA funding is sought for the six years from 2015 and provide a ten year financial forecast. This process therefore provides an opportunity for the Hastings District Council to add or change projects as long as these are consistent with the strategic direction set by the Plan.

16. Removal of the SAR from Hastings District Council’s plans is not inconsistent with the strategic focus of the draft RLTP as discussed elsewhere in this agenda. The drivers for the route largely rely on accumulated commuter travel time (which is small in terms of individual trips) and vehicle operating costs, mainly for private motorists.

17. It is therefore suggested that the Committee instructs staff to write to Hastings District Council outlining

17.1. the inability to vary the RLTS

17.2. support for removal of the SAR from the Council’s plans, as this is not inconsistent with the strategic focus of the draft RLTP.

Decision Making Process

18. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained in Part 6 Sub Part 1 of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded the following:

18.1. The decision does not significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset.

18.2. The use of the special consultative procedure is not prescribed by legislation.

18.3. The decision does not fall within the definition of Council’s policy on significance.

18.4. The persons affected by this decision are ratepayers of the Hastings District and other road users.

18.5. Options that have been considered include do nothing.

18.6. The decision is not inconsistent with an existing policy or plan.

18.7. Given the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided, and also the persons likely to be affected by, or have an interest in the decisions made, Council can exercise its discretion and make a decision without consulting directly with the community or others having an interest in the decision.

Recommendations

That the Regional Transport Committee:

2. Instructs staff to write to Hastings District Council in support of removal of the Southern Arterial Route from its transport plans, noting that the Regional Land Transport Strategy cannot be varied but will cease to exist on 30 June 2015.

Anne Redgrave

Transport Manager

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Regional Transport Committee

Friday 14 November 2014

Subject: Transport Manager's Report

Reason for Report

1. This regular report provides the Committee with a snapshot of relevant transport matters, provides updates from the Transport Advisory Group (TAG) on issues raised at their regular meetings and outlines what is coming up within the transport sector.

Background

2. The Transport Advisory Group is made up of road asset managers, planners and staff from Approved Organisations (AOs) - NZTA, Wairoa District Council, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, Napier City Council, Hastings District Council and co-ordinated by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Transport Manager. TAG meets at least quarterly and its main purpose is to support the operation of the RTC and provide co-ordinated and timely advice backed up by technical knowledge.

3. A TAG meeting was held in September. The main agenda item was discussion of the list of projects to be put forward for funding in the 2015-21 Regional Land Transport Plan. This is discussed elsewhere in the agenda.

4. Another topic of discussion was the busy construction season ahead over the 2014-15 summer. With most AOs having substantial work planned, it was felt to be important to coordinate this as much as possible to minimise the impact on the travelling public.

Regional Cycling Plan

5. The Regional Cycle Plan Governance Group met in early November to consider the proposed infrastructure improvements to be included in the Plan. Minutes will be tabled at the meeting.

Regional (R) Funds Update

6. The draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2015/16-2024/25 was released in late June and makes provision for a new Regional Improvements fund of between $180 million and $270 million over three years. This will be available as a contestable fund and replaces the R Fund.

7. It is proposed that the fund will target investment in “regional route improvements which provide links to key freight or tourist routes.” Expected short to medium term results of this investment “include increased freight vehicle productivity across the network” and “reduced travel times and operating costs on key regional freight and tourist routes”.

8. Detail on the criteria for this fund has now been released. It will be available to districts which do not have a Road of National Significance and will be allocated in priority order after the National (N) Funds have been allocated. Regional Transport Committees do not need to specifically identify which projects they would like to see funded from the Regional fund, but must clearly identify their order of priority for funding so that NZTA can reflect this in their allocations.

One Network Road Classification

9. The One Network Road Classification project is nearing completion. The final stage of the development of the ONRC Performance Measures is underway, with guidance documentation for the performance measures being prepared for road controlling authorities. The guidance will form the basis for the finer details of what “fit for purpose” means and how it is established.

10. Road Controlling authorities are now classifying their networks and these classifications will be moderated by NZTA to identify and resolve misalignment across the network. The moderation will take the form of regional workshops and is likely to take place in November. The output of the workshops will be an agreed regional map.

Hastings District Council – Proposed Amendments to the Speed Limit Setting Bylaw and Setting of Speed Limits

11. Hastings District Council has proposed amendments to its current Speed Limits Bylaw 2012 and wishes to set speed limits at levels which it previously adopted on 30 January 2014.

12. There was public concern about the adequacy of consultation on the speed limits set in January and the appropriateness of those limits. The Hastings District Council therefore resolved to proceed with a special consultative procedure on the limits and the Bylaw.

13. A submission was made by the Regional Transport Committee commenting on potential issues arising from a reduced speed limit for sections of the strategic network around the Whakatu Arterial Link .

14. The consultation closing date was extended from 22 September to 15 October and hearings will take place in early December.

Approved Organisations – Significant Issues Update

15. For this section of the report each approved organisation (AO) provides a brief comment on any significant issues to the RTC, including an update on priority projects in the Regional Land Transport Programme 2012-15.

16. Highway Network and Operations

16.1. The PakiPaki intersection safety upgrade work will be carried out between November 2014 and March 2015.

16.2. Pakowhai/Links Rd Intersection upgrade - property purchase is underway

17. Hastings District Council

17.1. Submissions have closed on the Notice of Requirement for the Whakatu Arterial Link but hearings will not take place until February. Nineteen submissions were received.

17.2. Planning is underway to add a cycle crossing facility on the SH2 bridge at Clive.

18. Napier City Council

18.1. The Ford Rd extension project is currently underway and due for completion before Christmas.

18.2. A roundabout is under construction at Browning Street/Marine Parade

18.3. Preparation is underway for Prebensen Drive four-laning. While some enabling works alongside the road will be commenced prior to Christmas the bulk of the construction is expected to start early in the new year. Construction is expected to take between 8 to 12 months.

18.4. A major upgrade (stormwater and refurbishment) of Hastings St from Albion to Tennyson is underway.

19. Wairoa District Council

19.1. Renewals programme to get underway shortly.

19.2. Mohaka township bridge renewal.

19.3. Flood damage/washouts work underway soon

19.4. Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy has been prepared. .

20. Central Hawke’s Bay

20.1. No major projects this year, business as usual but a big year for renewals and maintenance. Due to meet with Earnslaw to discuss forestry routes through the region.

20.2. Will be trialling a new stabilisation product on gravel roads.

20.3.Discussions underway with NZTA regarding extension of the cycleway between Waipukurau and Waipawa.

21. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

21.1. The overall performance of the bus service continues to be positive; however there were fewer passenger trips in the first quarter of the 2014-15 year than the same period last year. The most marked drop was 5770 trips in August, a 7% decline on the same month the previous year. Bad weather and heavy rain during this period is believed to have been a contributing factor to this, with people choosing to limit non-essential travel.

21.2. Timetable changes and fare increases implemented on 1 September have been readily accepted by passengers, with very little comment or feedback. Go Bus have advised that the timetable changes and removal of The Park Hastings from the Route 12 Napier-Hastings trip, has resulted in improved journey times, less late running, happier passengers and less stressed bus drivers.

21.3. The following graph shows total passenger trips during quarter one of 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15.

Diagram 1 – Passenger Trips – July to September – 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15

Decision Making Process

1. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only and no decision is to be made, the decision making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 do not apply.

Recommendation

1. That the Regional Transport Committee receives the report.

Anne Redgrave

Transport Manager

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Regional Transport Committee

Friday 14 November 2014

SUBJECT: RoadSafe Update Report

Reason for Report

1. This is a regular report that provides the Committee with a snapshot of road safety activities that are being undertaken under the Road Safety Action Plans and as necessary will brief the Committee on any current or upcoming issues relevant to road safety.

Background

2. There are a number of strategic documents that provide the direction for the Road Safety Activities. These include:

2.1. Government Policy Statement for Land Transport 2012

2.2. Safer Journeys 2020

2.3. Communities at Risk Register

2.4. NZTA Briefing Notes

2.5. NZ Police Strategies

2.6. RoadSafe HB Strategic Plan (2013-16).

3. The current Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (GPS) expands on the strategic direction set out in the Safer Journeys 2020 strategy and continues the government’s strong focus on removing bottlenecks, encouraging economic growth and productivity and improving road safety.

4. Road safety incorporates a range of elements including network improvement, road policing, and education and awareness. Roadsafe HB and the road safety action plans focus on education and awareness programmes in collaboration with road policing activities and proposed network improvements.

Regional Road Safety Priority Issues for 2014-15

5. RoadSafe Hawke’s Bay is part of a road safety group that develops and implements road safety education opportunities that support the National and Regional Strategic Documents listed above. The overall goal is to work towards: “A safe road system increasingly free of death and serious injury” (Safer Journeys 2020).

6. Partners include NZ Police, NZTA Traffic Safety Engineers, HB District Health Board, ACC, district and city council transport staff and other associated groups. By working in partnership, the intention is to develop road safety programmes that focus on the region’s priority issues and support the intended outcomes identified in the regional and strategic documents. By working in partnership, the reach and scope of the activities are increased and capitalise on the expertise of the partners.

7. The Regional Road Safety Priority Issues for 2014-15 are (NZTA Briefing Notes):

7.1. Central Hawke’s Bay

7.1.1. Alcohol & Drugs

7.2. Hastings District

7.2.1. Alcohol & Drugs

7.2.2. Intersections

7.2.3. Motorcycles

7.2.4. Loss of Control Rural Roads – Head on

7.2.5. Speed

7.2.6. Young Drivers

7.2.7. Cyclists

7.3. Wairoa

7.3.1. Alcohol and Drugs

7.3.2. Loss of Control Rural Roads – Head on

7.3.3. Speed

7.3.4. Young Drivers

8. Traffic incidents are reported in a number of different ways and a number of indicators are needed to understand whether the road safety programmes are effective.

Funding

9. The Road Safety programme is funded from three sources:

9.1. HBRC targeted rate

9.2. Territorial Authorities contribution (Wairoa District Council, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council)

9.3. NZTA.

10. The Road Safe Hawke’s Bay Manager, Linda Anderson will investigate other funding sources to support local share.

Report for August - November 2014

11. The Road Safe HB staff are currently implementing the road safety programme; activities including Alcohol and Fatigue Checkpoints supported by Police. These are being implemented across Hawke’s Bay Region around long and event weekends. Including Labour Weekend, Rhythm & Vines (before and after) and Operation Unite etc.

12. The team is also implementing heavy vehicle Health & Safety checkpoints, these are being implemented by Police-Hawkes Bay, Tararua and the Taupo region/Transport Association NZ/Road Safety Coordinators from Horizons, Taupo District Council and Road Safe HB. We contract an independent nurse to do the health checks. Sites will include, Dannevirke, Rangitaiki Café, Pan Pac and the weigh station on the south side of Wairoa. These have proved to be very successful in the past.

13. The Regional Manager is working with the Corrections Department (Prison Service) and providing speakers who present to the inmates at Mangaroa Prison (Tori Morrison/Jared Thomas). These have been well received by the inmates. The RSHB Manager is currently in discussion with the Prison Service to develop a follow up programme that focuses on risk, decision making and consequence. This dovetails into the education programme being implemented within the prison around alcohol & drugs, domestic violence and it is planned to include road safety.

14. Plans are also underway to implement a Road Safety Education Day in conjunction with Corrections Service (Community Service) to clients who have received sentences for drink driving (and other convictions as well). These will be implemented jointly with Hawke’s Bay Police. The first one of these will be on the 12 December 2014.

Road Safety Statistics

15. The following links provide detail on road crashes in our region.

- nzta.govt.nz/resources/crash-analysis-reports/statistical-statements

- nzta.govt.nz/resources/crash-analysis-reports/briefing-notes

- nzta.govt.nz/resources/crash-analysis-reports

16. The table below sets out the year to date road deaths by region

Weekly road deaths update by Local Government Region as at midnight Monday, 3 November 2014 *


Local Government Region	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014
Northland	21	6	12	18	12
Auckland	41	42	38	43	31
Waikato	52	55	46	27	41
Bay of Plenty	33	15	21	17	23
Gisborne & Hawkes Bay	19	15	27	10	16
Taranaki	11	7	11	7	9
Manawatu / Wanganui	32	26	22	10	29
Wellington	8	10	10	15	9
Nelson / Marlborough	22	7	6	8	7
West Coast	6	7	7	5	6
Canterbury	40	28	29	37	28
Otago	15	12	11	12	11
Southland	9	3	5	1	11
Total	309	233	245	210	233

Decision Making Process

17. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only and no decision is to be made, the decision making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 do not apply.

Recommendation

1. That the Regional Transport Committee receives the report.

Linda Anderson

Regional Manager RoadSafe Hawke's Bay

Anne Redgrave

Transport Manager

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

NZTA Regional Director's Report

Attachment 1

Report to:	Hawke’s Bay Regional Transport Committee
Presenter:	Raewyn Bleakley, Regional Director - Central
Date:	29 October 2014

1. Agency News

Financial Review Rates (FAR) Review

As the Committee will be aware, the FAR review is part of a suite of broad policy changes and initiatives to focus the investment process in the transport sector. At the time of writing this report the NZTA Board is yet to formally approve the FAR review decisions. However it is anticipated that by the time of the meeting the confirmed FAR rates will have been distributed to all Approved Organisations in New Zealand and the members of this committee will be familiar with their new normal FAR. The transition period to the new rates starts on 1 July 2015 and runs for a period of up to nine years.

We will provide a presentation on the Financial Assistance Rates Review following this report.

Certificate of Fitness Changes Coming into Effect

Following a Transport Agency review of the delivery of Certificate of Fitness (CoF) inspections a new service delivery model was confirmed at the end of last year.

This new model reaches milestones in November and December this year. It enables providers to offer CoF inspection and repair services, and allows for more inspection organisations (IOs), vehicle inspectors (VIs) and inspection sites to enter the CoF market.

Applications open on 1 November 2014 for CoF, IOs, VIs and IOs wanting to add additional inspection sites. New vehicle certification administration fees also come into effect on that date. On 1 December 2014 approved applicants are able to commence service delivery under the new model.

The changes mean that vehicles can be inspected, repaired and returned to the road more quickly. This will result in increased vehicle productivity and potentially reduced costs for owners and operators, while maintaining or improving road safety.

For more information about CoF and the changes visit:

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicle/registration-licensing/certificate-of-fitness.html

Changes to Driver Licences

In September, the Transport Agency’s Time Limits project introduced changes to the Graduated Driver Licence System (GDLS) which come into effect on 1 Dec 2014. These changes are aimed at improving the safety of novice drivers and motorcyclists by introducing a five-year time limit on learner and restricted licences for drivers under the age of 75.

The associated change of legislation now requires the driver licence card to display multiple expiry dates; e.g. where a person holds a five-year learner motorcycle licence and a 10-year full car licence. This change gave us the opportunity to make all driver licence cards more user-friendly based on customer and stakeholder feedback.

A minor redesign of the license cards will see the information on the card split between Driver Identity Information on the front (e.g. name, date-of-birth), and Driving Entitlement Information on the back, (e.g. driving classes, expiry dates).

The new driver licence cards will be issued from 24 Nov 2014. Drivers will receive their updated cards when they renew or replace their licence from that date onwards.

For more information the changes visit: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/photo/driver-licence-changes.html

A New Transport Minister

With the new Government the Transport portfolio gets a new Minister and Associate Minister.

Hon. Simon Bridges is the new Transport Minister. Mr Bridges has previously been an Associate Minister in the Transport Portfolio with responsibility for safety. The appointment of Mr Bridges ensures that transport remains a front bench portfolio in this government. Craig Foss has been appointed to the Associate Minister of Transport role.

2. Central Region Events

A New Regional Director

It’s with real pleasure that I am attending my first formal meeting in my role as Regional Director for the Central Region, with this regional transport committee. I look forward to a fruitful working relationship.

The Big Six

As a part of the process of updating its long-term plan the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has started an engagement process with Stakeholders by calling for comments and input on the issues (“the Big Six”) which council has identified as its highest priorities. The Agency is keen to work with the council on its planned development and has written to the chairman and phoned council seeking opportunities to have input into the plan process.

3. Delivery of the National Land Transport Programme

Road Safety in Hawke’s Bay

At the time of writing it is still early in the financial year and in the absence of the most up to date data it is difficult to be precise about safety trends in Hawke’s Bay. It may be that there is a slight lift in the rate of serious fatal accidents in line with national trends following a very low figure in the previous year. If this trend were to continue it would be of concern but the small numbers involved in the short period and the short period means it is too early to be definite.

National Land Transport Programme

The Regional Funding balance, of the available $72,683,888 there is a total of $24,517,140 of uncommitted Rfunds in the NLTP expenditure for the Hawke’s Bay Region.

The planned Whakatu arterial and expressway/Pakowhai links projects are beginning to consume some of this allocation.

There has been further damage to Wairoa District Council rural roads and SH38 with slips, dropouts and clearing of debris requiring attention.

Application for funding for the continuation of the Hastings District Council Model Communities programme of work has been received from both the Agency and Hastings District Council.

Continuation of preventative maintenance work is planned for locations on Tauwhareparae Road. This is expected to assist in avoiding higher cost emergency work.

Funding applications for have been approved for:

· Hastings District Council Model Communities Havelock Arterial pathway (property acquisition and construction)

· Wairoa District Council emergency work

· Wairoa District Council Special Purpose Road 38 emergency work

· State Highways safety retrofitting work

· State Highway 38 emergency work

· State Highways Maintenance Operations and Renewals programme cost scope increase

· State Highways Model Community projects on State Highways

Regional Land Transport Programme Submissions

Councils and the Agency have submitted draft programmes of work for the 2015–2018 Regional Land Transport Programme. The programmes will be subject to review and moderation where necessary prior to adoption by the Regional Transport Committee, while ensuring the programmes give effect to the Regional Strategic Outcomes.

The Transport Agency will be assessing programmes against the Investment Assessment Framework, applying the Transport Agency profiles and providing associated comments. This work will take place during November, prior to the draft RLTP going to consultation.

Planning & Investment staff will be carrying out regional moderation of programmes during December and January. They will then be involved in the national moderation of programmes during January and February, in order to assign final funding priorities and form the National Land transport Programme.

Regional Planning & Investment staff will be partnering with Council officers in order to achieve the best possible outcome for both the Regional Land Transport Plans and National Land Transport Programme.

The total cost of draft programmes for the region is: $291,652,703

State Highway Programme

Putting Customers at the Heart of our Business

The government’s Accelerated Regional Package identified the ‘Napier Port Access’ project as delivering on a key journey. The scope of this work builds on the region’s development philosophy ‘origin to designation’ between Whakatu and the Napier Port gates. Work has started to ensure the development of the Business Case is aligned with the problems and benefits identified in our Investment Logic Mapping (ILM) workshops.

Reviewing the Hawke’s Bay Airport intersection and addressing the safety issues at the Watchman Road Intersection have been identified as a regional priority and programmed for the next NLTP period as a standalone project requiring a collaborative approach with the Agency, Councils, business sector and residents.

Following engagement with our freight customers we are looking to better align cross boundary works to ensure that on key routes we minimise delays. Longer term we will try to improve the consistency and accuracy of information that we release.

We are looking to coordinate with other authorities to align major construction and maintenance works on key routes between Napier and Hastings over the construction season. The focus is on minimising impact on our customers as much as possible while completing works in a timely manner. We wish to improve our communication with customers.

Getting the Most out of our Network Capacity

We are working to maximise the capacity of our network by conducting material testing on SH2 structures that have weight restrictions, with a view to enabling key parts of the route for HPMV at earliest opportunity. Results of testing may allow HPMV to reach forests feeding Napier Port before Second Tranche routes are funded.

Improving Freight Efficiency throughout the Region

The Hawke’s Bay Expressway/Pakowhai Links Road Intersection Project is progressing through its detailed design. We are working on the next significant milestones of: Consents, Land Purchase and Tender Documents. It is intended to initiate enabling works (site preparation) this financial year with the main contract next construction season.

National prioritisation of HPMV Second Tranche Routes should be available in November. Confirmed mapped priority routes will be distributed to Road Controlling Authorities (RCA) as soon as received.

Safety

Hawke’s Bay Safety Retrofit funds of $1.2M have been approved. It is intended to deliver this work over two years with a focus on the Napier-Wairoa journey.

Paki Paki Roundabout: enabling works for this safety project are underway, with construction this season. The roundabout is programmed to be operational by the end of this financial year.

The Minor Safety Construction Program for this financial year is progressing well. The physical works contract for the majority of this work has been let and is expected to be completed by the end of February. The remainder of the work in this category is expected to be completed before the end of May.

The Agency understands that the Minor Safety draft program for the 15/16 financial year is to be completed by the end of November this year to ensure that funds can be allocated in good time for the start of next financial year.

There is good news in that the ‘Brush Fence’ which we installed early this calendar year at the Kennedy Road/Expressway Intersection, to increase cycle safety seems to have been successful. There have been no recorded incidents at the site since completion of the work. Although statistically it is still too early to say for certain that the problem has been solved. Previously we have averaged seven cycle crashes every 5-year period for the last 10 years. This site was one of the National top 100 worst intersections and if the problem has reduced or been removed, it displays what innovative thinking at a very low cost can achieve.

Raewyn Bleakley

Regional Director - Central

29 October 2014

Item	Action	Person Responsible	Due Date	Status Comment
GPS Development	For regular update	Transport Manager /NZTA	Nov 2014	The release of the final GPS was delayed by the general election but is due shortly.
Sealing of State Highway 38	For regular update	NZTA Regional HNO Manager	Nov 2014	A verbal update will be given at the meeting
Driver licensing issues	For regular update	Chair/Transport Manager	Nov 2014	Mayor Craig Little , Wairoa District Council, will give a verbal update at the meeting
Financial Assistance Rates Review	For regular update	Transport Manager	Nov 2014	Final FAR rates will be communicated to councils at the end of October 2014. A presentation on the outcomes of the FAR review will be made during the NZTA Regional Director’s report
Napier Gisborne Rail Line	For regular update	Chairman Alan Dick	Nov 2014	A verbal update will be given at the meeting
One Network Road Classification	For regular update	Transport Manager	Nov 2014	Refer Transport Manager’s report

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